Smart Lock Strike Plate Power Contacts for Self-Powered Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home and business monitoring systems lack an efficient method to power smart lock devices and integrated features, which requires a reliable and self-sustaining power source to ensure continuous operation and security.
Innovation Solution
Integration of smart lock devices with custom strike plates that generate power through electrical contacts when the deadbolt is engaged, allowing for charging and powering of the lock and other connected devices, with a control unit monitoring voltage to detect potential breaches or malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smart lock devices are integrated with monitoring systems, then security monitoring capability is improved, but power consumption increases due to additional smart features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power generation function with the lock mechanism by integrating a generator with the deadbolt assembly. The deadbolt's movement during normal locking operations drives the generator to produce electricity, merging two functions (locking and power generation) into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock device generates its own power through the generator-mortise lock assembly that converts mechanical motion from deadbolt movement into electrical energy. This self-powered mechanism eliminates external power requirements and allows the device to sustain its own operation including smart features.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple smart features are added to lock devices, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator-mortise lock assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the primary locking mechanism, generates electrical power, and can interface with electronic control systems. This multi-functional design adds versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator acts as an intermediary component that converts mechanical energy from the deadbolt into electrical energy, which then powers various smart features. This intermediary mechanism allows multiple features to be added without directly increasing mechanical complexity.
3Power
If power connections are integrated into strike plates, then power generation capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the strike plate with the generator assembly, combining the receiving component for the deadbolt with the power generation mechanism. This integration allows power generation to occur at the point where mechanical engagement happens, without requiring separate power infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional electrical wiring and power infrastructure with a mechanically-driven generator system. Instead of installing complex electrical power connections, the mechanical motion of the locking mechanism itself generates the required electricity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a reliable power source for smart lock devices and integrated features, enhancing security by ensuring continuous operation and enabling real-time monitoring and alerts for potential breaches, while also allowing for automatic locking and unlocking based on power levels and user presence.
Implementation Method 1
the generator can be configured to generate power based on movement of the deadbolt
Data Source
AI summary
A power connection for a smart lock device including a strike plate that is mounted to a door frame, the strike plate having one or more spring contacts in a recessed portion of the strike plate, a back portion of the strike plate that is connected to a power source, wherein the one or more spring contacts in the recessed portion of the strike plate are connected to the power source via an electrical wiring, and a smart lock device that is mounted to a door, the smart lock device including a deadbolt that is configured to extend from a side portion of the door, where the one or more spring contacts in the recessed portion of the strike plate are configured to align with one or more conductive segments of the deadbolt.